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The Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (The Upper Basilica)

The building of this Basilica commenced in 1866 and it was blessed and officially opened by Mgr Pichenot, the Archbishop of Chambéry on 15th August 1871.

The Basilica derives its name as the Altar of the Basilica is directly over the place of the Apparitions. Over the main door there is a picture of Pope Pius IX, who proclaimed the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854, and by the entrance on the right is a marble plaque containing the complete text of the judgement made by Mgr Laurence, in recognising the Apparitions as authentic.

On the upper level of the Basilica the stained glass windows tell the story of the history of salvation from the Fall of Adam and Eve until the raising up of Jesus, and the image of the Church

To each side of the church are a number of side altars to various saints whilst the stained glass windows above retrace the story of Lourdes, the Apparitions and the first pilgrimages. On the walls are many votive offerings in thanksgiving for graces received through the intercession of Our Lady. The Upper Basilica is also decorated with numerous pilgrimage banners given by pilgrims from all over the world.
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